Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1903 — Corn School & Stockman's Convention. [ARTICLE]

Corn School & Stockman's Convention.

- ■ > , v '. . . -■■ I I attended the first Corn School of Indiana and Stockman’s Convention, Jan. 26 to 31, 1903. Over 100 farmers were present at the first session. The program of the week was opened with a lecture ByPrbrrvan N orman~6TFurdue, on ‘‘The Principles of Balanced Rations.” The corn school began its work by scoring samples of corn under the direction of H. F. McMahan, of Liberty, Ind., and continued throughout the week. Mr. McMahan was assisted by Prof. Wiancker of Purdue, and Mr. Shamel, who is one of the best expert judges of corn in the United States. Many of the improved varieties of corn grown in Indiana were used for illustrating the method of selecting seed corn.

In connection with the corn scorings, lectures were given on The History of Indian Corn, Selecting Seed Ears, Storing Corn, Distinguishing Characteristics of Varieties of Seed Corn, etc. Every lecture had a practical bearing upon this great American Cereal. In connection with the corn school, Prof. Skinner of Purdue, directed a practical class of judging live stock and pointed out the essentials in the beef animal in the more popular breeds. The afternoons were given to the study of the various breeds of cattle and hogs.

On the 27th in the evening, the Farmers’ Club of the class 1902, which contains 115 boys, attendng the school and gave a very interesting program upon the most leading topics of the farm and work. And the 28th, Prof. Munford of the University of Ills., delivered one of the most popular lectures of the week on the cattle feeding problems. Prof. Mumford is a recognized authority of national reputation. The interest was very great that nearlj two hours were taken instead of the one allotted. The question of fodder shredding was generally discussed by the farmers. A machine that will grind the fodder finer was the opinion of the majority. Also a shocking machine was discussed but only one farmer acknowledged it to work very much satisfactory. The members of the Convention received a rare treat is a series of poultry talks by Mr. T. E. Orr, of Beaver, Penn. His talks were well received by all present and taught how score a hen by the score card. A live interest was taken by all present. And the University authorities gave all a courteous treatment. A pleasant banquet was given Thursday night. A committee was appointed to consider the movement of Sub. Station in each county, which will bring experiments nearer home. Also a reading circle was organized. They have now an elegant new building, and students of the farm will be well taken care of. 1 came home much profited by school, my time and fare well paid for, and expect to attend again next year which will be the last week in Jan. 1904.

Yours truly,

WM. AUGSPURGER,

Rensselaer, Ind.